April marks the 10-year anniversary of Carrizo Plain National Monument, 50 miles of natural wonder in southeastern San Luis Obispo County. Here’s a short list of reasons why Carrizo Plain is unique and deserves continued protection.

» The Carrizo Plain is the last of California’s historic grasslands.

» The plain resembles old California, what much of the state appeared like 200 years ago.

» Soda Lake is the largest natural alkali lake in California, lying in the Pacific Flyway, and a major winter stopover for migrating birds.

» Soda Lake Road runs straight through the national monument for 50 miles, but there are many old ranch roads that lead to secluded overlooks, rock outcroppings and open book canyons. A mountain bike is a good alternative from the car or being on foot.

» The San Andreas Fault cuts a swath along the east side of the Carrizo Plain below the Temblor Mountains, and Caliente Range on the west side at 5,106 feet is the high point of the national monument.

Every time I come out to Carrizo Plain, I see something I didn’t see the time before. Last month I found a pair of barn owls perched on a lichen-covered sandstone boulder. The lichen and the barn owl’s feathers were very similar in color. For me that was enough to deem the trip a successful one — until next time.